Seventeen states were represented at the Brewfest which brought many tourists to the city.

WILD WEST BREWFEST BREAKS THE SIX-FIGURE MARK

Drawing a record number of participants, this year’s Wild West Brewfest also earned a record amount to benefit Katy-area youngsters. “It did amazingly well,” said Brewfest chairman David Loesch, who indicated that the net proceeds would exceed $112,000. According to the event chairman, 6,037 attendees and about 350 volunteers helped push the Brewfest into record numbers. “We will be able to help a lot of people in and around Katy,” said Loesch. Over the last four years, the Wild West Brewfest has added more than $250,000 towards the Rotary Club of Katy.

The festival, held May 2, began with a sold-out Launch Party for 850 people on Friday evening sponsored by the city of Katy, one of the many entities and businesses that sponsored the event. Attending the Launch party were several dignitaries from the city of Katy, including the City Tourism board, city council and Mayor Hughes. “We had 57 brewers last year, and 105 brewers this year bringing about 315 different beers. We had brewers come from Hawaii to Maine,” said Loesch.

This year with the Brewfest proceeds, the Rotary Club of Katy will be reaching out to several organizations around the area. “Our main mission is helping kids that need help. If there is someone that wants to join band, FFA or any of the fine art programs in the district and they are economically challenged, we are here to help bridge that gap,” said Loesch. For more than 68 years, the Rotary Club of Katy has been helping the less fortunate.

Michael Cotton of Katy next to the official trophy for the Texas Amateur Championship that he will keep for one year, and holds the trophy that is his to keep.

KATY NATIVE WINS TEXAS AMATEUR GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP

This past Father’s Day, Michael Cotton gave a special gift to his father Steve, who was caddying for him as he played in the 106th Texas Amateur Championship at Bent Tree Country Club in Dallas. Cotton, 19, caputured the Texas Amateur title by firing a 7-under par 29 on the back nine, blazing past the pack. He won by three strokes.

Cotton is a Cinco Ranch High School alum and is now a sophomore at the University of North Texas. He is the third UNT player to win the title.

“This tournament meant so much to me because it was my first big win. The prestige of the tournament and the players that have won it before put me in an unbelievable class, and I am excited to be a part of it,” Cotton said. “This tournament gives me a huge confidence boost heading into the rest of my amateur career.”

Brad Stracke, head golf coach at UNT, had this to say about Cotton: “Michael is one of the most talented player’s I have ever coached. He works hard on his game and in the classroom. It’s a pleasure to coach him, and I am very excited about his win at the Texas Amateur.”

While in high school, Cotton’s achievements included being rated 16th best player in Texas, being named to the all-region team in 2014 and qualifying for the 2013 U.S. Amateur. He also excelled academically.